PLAQUEMINES PARISH - Sheriff’s deputies in Plaquemines Parish said three people died in an early morning single vehicle crash after the car burst into flames.

The wreck happened shortly before 2 a.m. in the 30400 block of Plaquemines Parish Hwy 11 in Port Sulphur. Deputies said the area of the accident scene is better known to locals as Lincoln’s Curve.

First responders said they found the vehicle, a 2012 Jaguar XF, fully engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene. After the Plaquemines Parish Fire Department put out the fire, it was discovered that the vehicle contained the bodies of a driver and two passengers.

State Police said the driver lost control of the car as it was entering a left hand curve, causing the car to run off the road to the right. It traveled through a ditch, hit a tree and then burst into flames.

Deputies say the identities of the deceased will be released following an autopsy and positive identification by the parish coroner’s office.

“Our condolences are sent to the families of those involved in this tragic holiday accident,” said PPSO Sheriff Lonnie Greco.  “We implore drivers and occupants to always buckle up, never drive impaired or distracted, and always obey traffic laws.”

Troopers said impairment is not known to be a factor in the crash at this point in the investigation, but they did say speed contributed to the wreck.

Anyone with additional information on the crash is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop B at (504) 471-2775.